The best walks and hikes around Alpine

The Woods Hollow, Eagle Crest, and South Maple Hollow Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience with diverse terrain and rewarding views. You'll traverse groomed singletrack, pass through groves of scrub maple and oak brush that burst with fall colors, and encounter some rocky sections, particularly on the South Maple Hollow climb. From higher points, you'll be treated to expansive vistas of Utah Valley, including Utah Lake, and the impressive Wasatch Front mountains, making it one of the popular trails routes in the area. This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) loop with 617 feet (188 metres) of elevation gain typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes.

For planning your visit, the South Maple Hollow trailhead provides convenient amenities such as bathrooms, water, and a shaded picnic area. Due to its south-facing sections, this trail tends to dry out quickly and warms up earlier in the season, offering a longer window for comfortable hiking. It's a great option for those looking to get out on the trails when others might still be inaccessible, so consider seasonal considerations when planning your trip.

This trail system is a hub of activity, serving as an important access point to other trails in the Traverse Mountain area, including downhill-only mountain biking routes. The versatility of the loop allows for various configurations, appealing to both hikers and mountain bikers. Its ability to be accessed earlier and later in the season compared to many other trails in the region makes it a notable and reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Three Falls Trail in Alpine is a fantastic choice for a quick and scenic outing, offering beautiful mountain views and multiple cascading waterfalls. You'll follow a well-maintained path that parallels a tumbling creek, crossing wooden bridges and passing through scrub oaks. In late spring, the trail comes alive with vibrant wildflowers like Alpine Poppies and Arrowleaf Balsamroot, creating a truly picturesque experience with vistas towards Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.

This easy 2.5-mile (3.9 km) hiking route, with 586 feet (179 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. It's a popular choice for families and those looking for an accessible adventure, though an initial climb is part of the journey. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days, as the lot can fill up quickly. Dogs are permitted on a leash, making it a great option for your furry friends.

What makes the Three Falls Trail particularly notable is its accessibility and rewarding natural beauty so close to urban areas. It's an ideal destination for a quick outdoor adventure during the spring or fall, when the wildflowers are blooming and the temperatures are more moderate, as shade is limited along the route. The consistently flowing waterfalls and scenic bridges add to its charm, providing a refreshing escape into nature.

The North Dry Creek Trail offers a unique hiking experience through the Gallatin foothills, where golden meadows give way to the striking burn zone of the 2001 Fridley Fire. You'll witness nature's recovery firsthand, with new growth emerging amidst skeletal trees, all while enjoying exceptional panoramic views of Paradise Valley and the Absaroka Mountains. The route covers 2.3 miles (3.6 km) with a substantial 1619 feet (493 metres) of elevation gain, making it a difficult climb that takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Planning your visit means preparing for a challenging ascent with little shade, so bring ample water, especially during warmer months when Dry Creek can be dry. The trail is generally uncrowded, providing a peaceful escape, and its customizable length means you can turn around whenever you feel ready. This makes it a good option for those looking to push themselves on a shorter, intense hike.

This trail is notable for its ecological story, showcasing the natural regeneration of a forest after a major fire. Beyond the burn zone, you'll find sub-alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, adding vibrant color to the rugged landscape. The open nature of the hike ensures continuous, outstanding viewpoints, making every step of the difficult climb worthwhile for the vistas alone.

The Lone Rock via Peak View Trail offers a fantastic moderate hike, perfect for those seeking impressive views without an all-day commitment. You'll ascend 985 feet (300 metres) over 2.8 miles (4.5 km), reaching the iconic Lone Rock in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The trail starts with a gradual climb, transitioning through sandy and gravelly sections, and rewards you with expansive vistas of Utah County and Utah Lake from Lone Rock itself.

This route is particularly good for families or anyone looking for a solid workout with a clear destination. While the larger area is known for its extreme trails, this specific segment is approachable. Parking is generally available at the trailhead, but arriving earlier in the day is always a good strategy to secure a spot and enjoy the trail in cooler conditions.

Lone Rock is a notable feature, visible from Draper, and serves as a popular local landmark and viewpoint. This trail provides a taste of the rugged Lone Peak Wilderness Area, showcasing diverse terrain from scrub oak to open ridges, making it a great introduction to the region's natural beauty.

The Spring, Rodeo Down, High Bench, Corkscrew and Ziggy Loop in Alpine, Utah, offers a delightful journey through the varied landscapes of Lambert Park. You'll wind through dense forests of maple and oak, experience the flowing singletrack of Rodeo Down, and traverse sections along Dry Creek, providing a refreshing escape into nature. The trail combines shaded paths with open areas, giving you a dynamic hiking experience.

This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) loop involves a manageable 632 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, making it a great option for hikers looking for a solid workout without being overly strenuous, typically taking around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. Parking is available at Lambert Park, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days, as this is a popular spot for various outdoor activities. Dogs are welcome on the trail, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.

Lambert Park is renowned as a multi-use trail system, attracting hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners alike. The Rodeo Down trail, often called "the jewel of Lambert Park," is particularly popular for its downhill sections and connections to other trails like Spring Trail, allowing for diverse looping options. This makes the Spring, Rodeo Down, High Bench, Corkscrew and Ziggy Loop a fantastic choice for experiencing the best of what Lambert Park has to offer.